Expert Rating – HP Spectre Foldable
Pros – The folding design is clever and effective. The OLED display is stunning, and peripherals are magnetic and charge on the device.
Cons – There are only two ports available, and their placement isn’t ideal. Additionally, the laptop lacks power for heavy users.
Verdict – The HP Spectre Foldable is the best 3-in-1 foldable laptop we’ve experienced, boasting several features that enhance the user experience and improve upon what competitors have previously accomplished. However, it could benefit from more power.
The highly anticipated HP Spectre Foldable has received much attention since its launch. Does it live up to the hype? The simple answer, from a design standpoint, is an unequivocal yes. This 17-inch laptop folds down the middle of its continuous OLED display, seamlessly converting from a laptop to a desktop to a tablet and back. While not a new concept, this laptop’s versatility feels more refined and sophisticated than its predecessors.
The major drawback is the laptop’s mediocre CPU performance and its high price. For non-power users, the performance may not be a concern, but for those expecting top-notch performance for heavy productivity work, the exciting foldable design may not fully compensate.
At present, there is only one configuration available, featuring an Intel i7-1250U, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. The full specifications include a 2.5K foldable, touch-sensitive OLED display, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe storage, and a 94.3 WHr battery, among other features.
In terms of design and build, the Spectre Foldable is remarkably thin and lightweight, making it ideal for use in various settings. The laptop’s sturdy kickstand ensures stability in desktop mode, and the u-shaped hinge mechanism is seamless and discreet. However, using the laptop in tablet mode can feel less stable compared to a dedicated tablet, and light glare can be a minor issue.
The laptop’s magnetic keyboard is spacious and comfortable to use, although it lacks backlighting. Overall, the HP Spectre Foldable offers a unique and practical design that enhances productivity and workflow, despite its limitations in performance for power users.